ED vs I-PAC standoff escalates: Mamata’s ‘file seizure’ row lands in Calcutta High Court

Both the ED and I-PAC have filed separate petitions after the central economic intelligence agency accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of forcibly removing documents during the searches.

The high-profile confrontation unfolded on Thursday in Kolkata, triggering sharp political reactions.

While the ED insists the raids are part of a money laundering probe tied to the Bengal coal scam, I-PAC has moved court seeking a stay on the searches, arguing they are politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.

ED claims ‘forcible removal’ of evidence

In its petition, the ED accused Mamata Banerjee and her aides of obstructing an official investigation. 

According to the agency, searches at the residence of I-PAC head Prateek Jain and the group’s office were proceeding smoothly until the Chief Minister arrived with a large police contingent.

The agency alleged that Mamata entered Jain’s residence and removed crucial physical documents and electronic devices.

Visuals from the scene showed a visibly agitated Chief Minister walking out carrying a bulky green file, which the ED claims contained important evidence.

CM Mamata Banerjee was seen walking out carrying a bulky green file, which the ED claims contained important evidence. Photo: IBNS

The agency further stated that senior police officers, including Kolkata’s police chief and deputy commissioner of South Kolkata, reached the spot to verify the identity of ED officials following the confrontation.

Mamata calls raids ‘politically motivated’

Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee dismissed the raids as politically driven and claimed they were meant to steal sensitive data related to her party’s election strategy and candidate selection for the 2026 polls. 

Banerjee alleged that the action was orchestrated at the behest of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Chief Minister later visited I-PAC’s office in Salt Lake, where she staged a sit-in protest. 

According to the ED, Mamata and her aides once again removed documents and electronic devices from the office premises, which the agency says amounts to obstruction under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Counter allegations and police complaint

Adding another twist, Prateek Jain’s family filed a police complaint accusing ED officials of stealing important documents during the raids. 

I-PAC, founded by poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, has approached the High Court seeking a halt to the searches, citing alleged misuse of central agencies.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress announced a large protest march in response to what it called “political vendetta” by the Centre.

Why ED is probing I-PAC

The ED maintains that the raids are not politically targeted but linked to a money laundering investigation tied to the multi-crore Bengal coal scam. 

The agency claims proceeds of crime worth around Rs 10 crore were allegedly routed to I-PAC through hawala channels.

According to ED sources, the money was allegedly paid on behalf of the Trinamool Congress for consultancy services during the party’s 2022 Goa Assembly election campaign.

The case traces back to a CBI FIR registered in November 2020 against coal smuggling kingpin Anup Majhi and others. 

Majhi is accused of running a massive coal smuggling syndicate operating from Eastern Coalfields Limited lease areas in Asansol.

Investigators allege the syndicate illegally excavated coal and sold it to factories across multiple Bengal districts.

A portion of the illicit coal, the ED claims, was sold to companies linked to the Shakambhari Group, with proceeds allegedly funnelled to political entities.

High Court to hear crucial pleas

With both the ED and I-PAC approaching the Calcutta High Court, the case has now taken a significant legal turn. 

The court is expected to hear arguments on whether the raids were lawful and whether Mamata Banerjee’s actions constituted obstruction.